Help: BI Kona residents (Kailua, Waikoloa Village: transplants, condos, homes)

[KoaHawaii]

Those residing in Kailua-Kona, I was wondering if you could give me some insight on various subdivisions right now that you would recommend to either buy a home or a vacant lot and then build on later. My family and I are looking into purchasing a place somewhere around Kona and aren't familiar with the subdivisions.

So far we've seen or know a little about the Pines, Puu Lani Ranch (outside Kona town but not too far), Kahakai Estates, Alii Cove (condos), Alii Heights, Wainani Estates, Kona Vistas, Kaha'olino. For a vacant lot we are looking at those under $200,000, closer to $150,000 if possible and for already built homes around $400,000 to $500,000. We are on Hamakua coast and this will be more of an investment with multiple families contributing. we looking for a place on the sunny and drier side of the island. If anyone has any info on good areas to live that would be helpful. Would be ideal to not have a resort/haole feel but that is ok if it does, since it is Kona which is composed of more haole or transplants/retired folks from mainland (sorry if this sounds mean but it isn't meant that way; would prefer not so tourist feel, though are expecting to have some of that)
Mahalo for you help

[hotzcatz]

Puako is nice is that close enough to Kona? Dunno how the prices are, probably expensive, but it would be a nice area.

[KoaHawaii]

yea i think puako could be an option, nothing in waikoloa though. would prefer closer to kona, puako, puu lani would be possibilities if couldnt find something in kona that was for our family.
mahalo

[hotzcatz]

With Pele and her vog, in Kona itself may not be the best option. The further up the coast towards Hawi, the less vog there seems to be.

[Kohala Coast tennis]

Aloha KoaHawaii,

North of Kona: Puako won't meet your price range. Waikoloa Village has lots of nice homes in the $400,000s right now, and the lot prices also continue to slip.

Kona town: There are many $400,000 to $500,000 neighborhoods in Kona that may work for you. It would be helpful to drive around and identify which areas you prefer. You are on island, yes? Do you have a copy of the Ready Mapbook of West Hawaii?